The Unicorn Confessions

by Cheryl Terra

Tessa Lane is a unicorn and proud of it. Sure, the delightfully chunky 30 year old might be a mess, but at least she’s a hot mess. And she knows she’s exactly what a ton of couples are looking for: a bi woman who wants a couple… but also wants to keep it casual. To keep things from getting serious, Tessa has a list of rules that helps her go from hellos to hell-yeahs as efficiently as possible when she meets a new couple:

One-and-done.

Always get a hotel room.

And never, ever stay the night.

But there’s a lot more to this unicorn than meets the eye. When Tessa’s mother calls to invite her to an anniversary party in her hometown, the tangle of secrets that she’s been keeping begins to unravel. Forced to confront her family’s expectations, unwelcome feelings for her brother’s best friend, and a couple that has her rethinking her list of rules, can Tessa face a series of unexpected events and her own buried insecurities without compromising what she wants… even if she discovers that what she wants isn’t necessarily what she needs?

The Unicorn Confessions series is a multi-part, same-character series - think your favourite ongoing sitcom, but as a series of steamy, hilarious romcom novels exploring the ways love and romance can exist outside traditional couples.

Genres: Romance, Plus Size, LGBT, F M F

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2023

About the author

Cheryl Terra writes romantic and adult fiction with drama, sass, and a whole lot of... spice. Emotional and humorous, her books focus on contemporary relationships, inclusive characters, and happily ever afters. Living with her husband in northern Alberta, Canada, Cheryl relies on the heat between her quirky and memorable characters to help keep the gas bill down in the winter.

For more information and to get free books, visit Cheryl’s website at cherylterra.com

Reviews

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book whist being good just wasn’t for me right now. I read the first part and just wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as I hoped so it was a DNF for me.

That’s not saying I won’t come back and try again because the whole aspect of this book is hot..I just couldn’t.

[Stacia | stacialovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

owww owww!

The spice was spicy and the plot was good too!
-
I felt so bad for Tessa (in general) around her parents’s anniversary party. “I’m the fourth favorite child in a family of three and the other two are fighting for first.” << a LINE.

[Rachel Skow · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Thank goodness the sequel(s) are out because this book left me wanting MORE!

Favorite character is Chuck and the banter between him and Tessa, especially how he gives her a different middle name(s) every time he speaks to her. The art class scene was halarious!

Favorite [non spicy/ non spoiler] quote: "the best way to eat fettuccine Alfredo is like an uncivilized goblin"

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing breath of fresh air. I've been reading Cheryl Terra's works for a few years now, and this new one is probably her best ever, and that includes the Nellie series!

I feel like I should leave a list of what I loved:
1) Body positivity was just a given by both Tessa and despite certain people trying to use her size as an insult, she never accepted it as one.
2) Sex positivity was also a given.
3) The smecksay scenes were chef's kiss amazing.
4) Julie and Finn. Enough said!
5) The way the book was a standalone, but begs to be continued. There's no giant cliffhanger, but at the same time, there are things we want to know!
6) The hilarious charity Tessa works at- I had a similar job once so could relate so much
7) The middle names Tessa is given throughout the book. One in particular made me smile a hella lot!
8) It's just awesome and everyone should read it!

Thanks to Cheryl for the early copy for review.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Tessa Lane is an artist that has finally found herself but lost her muse in the process. She is a gorgeous, curvy, bisexual woman. She doesn't do relationships and only couples. She is a one-and-done type of girl that does not deviate from her script. She has her reasons. This book takes a look at a changing point in Tessa's life. Tessa is trying to find that thing that will bring her art back to the level she used to be at.

The cast of characters in this book will have you laughing and saying "oh my." The situations Tessa and her best friend/co-worker, Chuck, get into will have readers rolling. This book walks the fine line of very steamy, hot, funny and sweet all at the same time. It is the perfect mix. I am anxiously awaiting more from Cheryl Terra. She does this right. I will definitely be reading more of her catalog.

[Polli.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, feisty, fizzing with unicorn magic and utterly fantastic. Tessa Lane has become one of my most favourite MCs ever! This book is absolutely unputdownable! This is soooo good!

Here is one of those rare books that you know from just the first few pages that it's going to be a winner! One of the best contemporary romances I've read in a long time! Full of loveable, quirky characters, excellent banter, suppressed emotions, a circus of events and many rules made and broken.

Only gripe being the way it ended, but I have just realised there will be a book 2 out in September (I think) so now I am really happy! Roll on September - can't wait!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what a “unicorn” was before reading this book and when I started the book my first thought was that it was not for me. I am glad I persevered as it is a “good old-fashioned” Cheryl Terra romance, reminiscent in fact of the Nellie series – in fact Tessa spoke to me in Nellie’s voice.

I was glad to see this is marked as the first of a series because (as an incurable romantic) I am keen to see what happens to Tessa as she confronts and (I hope) recovers from her past experiences.

[Booklvr89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I was so hooked on what was happening I couldn't put it down. I will say I feel it ends too abruptly and the story doesn't seem over and there's no mention of a to be continued...which kills me because this book is awesome and needs more!

I'm starting a movement, book 2 is needed (P.S. to the Author, if you're already planning a book 2, the movement will change to release it faster 🤣).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

First - this is such an epically great book! Never expected it to be as funny, poignant and emotionally charged - I just loved the pacing and the way Cheryl Terra built her characters - especially Tessa. What an amazing character - so full of life, love, courage, fear, she's the embodiment of modern life as a woman finding herself in her late 20s and 30s.

There's a lot to unpack in this book - but hells bells it is worth taking the time to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherrie Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh:

It was ok, I liked the witty banter she had with Chuck and Finn.

It was all just a bit nothingy and it ended in the most strange place. There’s a book 2 but book 1 ended in the most unnatural place 🤷‍♀️

I wouldn’t say Tess is a unicorn at all, really. Firstly isn’t it a term most bisexual women who play with couples find derogatory? And she’s a one and done, she isn’t looking for anything long term. So she’s just someone who likes threesomes?
Just found it all a bit weird, especially the whole Brad thing.

[TELA666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I wasn't expecting this to hit the way it did. It was emotionally deeper, very honest & realistic, balanced in terms of optimism and oh so much more funny than I expected. I was thinking it would be a light, self depreciating journal of sorts but there is so much more than that. Book 2 is on my TBR and us eagerly awaited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cauliflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun story. Love the heroine. Indeed she puts "hot" in "hot mess". And "mess", too

I loved how she seemed to know a lot about herself, her own feelings, but just not able to go one step beyond where she is right now. She's not perfect and she knows it, but also she is good at putting her asshole side aside when interacting with people who don't deserve such a treatment

Ridiculous and funny, I will definitely read more

[Lucy Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately live the characters and drawn into the story. the whole lying thing seems a bit unrealistic but I get it.

my main concern of the book is actually the ended is a bit of nothing. nothing actually gets resolved, it's just the end of a chapter. thankfully I'm invested enough to read the next in the series but I have a feeling instead of being part one of the story, it's actually more like the first third of a larger novel. not awful, but doesnt feel like a novel within itself

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute romcom novel. I greatly enjoyed Julie and Finn. They are supper adorable characters. In my personal opinion Tessa is too good for her family and they don’t deserve her. This book was written so well and with just the right level of drama and backstory to keep us interested all the way through. I look forward to seeing if Tessa’s story continues in later books.

[Heidi Obstfeld-adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot different from the books I normally indulge in. I think it was a very well written book, and looks outside the traditional couples romance, and how relationships can be more than 2.
Will definitely be reading more of this author's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! I wasn’t entirely sure at first but now I love this whole set of characters so much and I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

The characters in the book are spunky and fun, and we loveeee a curvy goddess. Tessa’s boss gives me solid Devil Wears Prada vibes, Chuck is the bestie everyone needs and Finn…. Wellllll read and find out

[Felicia Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

This book is a unique Rom-Com, with a series of unfortunate events and a spunky BBW as the leading lady. It's well written with multiple different characters, with vastly different personalities and a imaginatively drama filled storyline. It's a great read for fans of Rom-Coms, Poly Romance and Drama reads.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I found a unicorn in this series… What a perfect series to start off a new year of reading. I love love, love Tessa and her life messy chaotic life. I love the imperfect way she struggles with assholes from her past, and how that past traumas play the role with her relationships in the present. But I also love that you can see her grow through the series.

[Jessica Piggush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

I really like that this was split into 4 parts. Showing all sides and aspects of the FMC’s life. Get a little down and dirty and live your best life and then you have family drama and past relationship coming to haunt you. I would highly recommend this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I loved the characters, but it just ended... like I'm worried the full book didn't download. Except there is a preview of the next book. I get book series don't always wrap everything up in one book but this abrupt ending stunk.

[misslinzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I immediately want to read it again! Only predictable in the best way and so delightfully, perfectly spicy. Every scene was written so well! Her family is so despicable it was hard to read, but easy to relate to. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Geeky Fangirl Next Door · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 series review - This was a fun and different series than my usual. I liked it and related to the MFC a lot but wish there was less melodrama and more relationship developments. I’d read it again if it was KU but I’m kinda disappointed with my financial investment lol.

[DANIELLE Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Story!

At first, I wasn't sure I would like Tessa. I thought she might be too mean for me to like, but the more I read, the more I liked her, and the feelings she is having. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. Made me chuckle a few times.
It’s a refreshing honest read. Can’t wait to see what else happens in the next book

[Madeline Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is a plus size and proud bisexual woman who has a specific taste for being a unicorn. What’s that? Someone who is specifically looking to hook up with couples. She wants this part of her life to be fun and free. She knows her worth; she knows what she deserves, and she knows her boundaries. With her rules in place, she can make her dream intimate life come true. This book was SO spicy in all the best ways without feeling like it was fetishizing the unicorn concept which is all too often done. But beyond the spice, Tessa’s story was so compelling. She is so much more than a unicorn, she has been through some things and through out the book, we learn all her layers and I can promise you’ll want to throw your book on where it ends off because you’ll be wanting more!

[Maddie Stufflebean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing! It was cute, relatable, hot af and just an amazing read!

[Kess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this one, but I loved it!! Tessa is so confident and I fell in love with her no BS attitude. This whole series was a perfect escape for a couple weeks!

[Tricia Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok. I Dnfed it

[Romantic.Rainbow.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the entire series, because the books are one interconnected story.

This book series had basically everything I’m looking for in a spicy novel:
🔥 Lots of spicy scenes but also an interesting plot (including some plot twists that surprised me)
🔥 Bisexual pride (plus pansexual and lesbian partners)
🔥 Discussions about safer sex, including birth control, condoms, and regular STI testing
🔥 Body-positivity (Tessa describes herself as delightfully chunky, and is delightful in all the ways!)
🔥 Swoon-worthy love interests
🔥 Laugh-out-loud funny scenes and lines
🔥 A read that feels quick despite each book being over 300 pages long
🔥 Poly rep (including forms of poly beyond just a triad)
🔥 Mental health rep (brief mention of well-managed depression, including discussion of how trouble orgasming is a medication side effect)
🔥 Did I mention spicy scenes? They are F/F/M, F/F, and F/M/M.

This series might not be for you if:
❎ You don’t like plot based on miscommunication/lack of communication
❎ You don’t like books the contain family conflict
❎ You like fade-to-black scenes
❎ You want each of the three books to have a separate resolution and individual happily ever after

[Lunar Thistle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ★★★★.5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶